EDMONTON — Did Connor McDavid throw shade at his head coach after the Tampa game?
Or was he innocently paying respect to his Olympic coach, Jon Cooper, who no one would disagree is one of the very best in the business?
Well, all I can do is tell you what I’ve learned after 30-some years prowling through NHL dressing rooms.
One, McDavid is the face of the NHL. He knows how heavy his words are.
He weighs them and disperses them with purpose. He knew how he would be interpreted, and he repeated his praise of Cooper — just in case anyone missed it the first time.
Another tip I’d give any young hockey reporter: If you’re looking for some quotes from your team on a guy who plays for some other team, don’t ask them…